Politics

Edo Speaker’s Fate Hangs In The Balance As Group Pushes For His Removal

Published

5 months ago

March 19, 2025

Editor

The political landscape in Edo State is heating up as the tenure of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, hangs in the balance.

A seismic shift is underway, fueled by fervent agitations from various concerned groups of the ruling APC, determined to unseat him from his position.

Leading the charge is the Edo North Conscience (ENC), a dynamic political and highly opinionated group that has unleashed a bold statement aimed at overturning the Speaker’s hold on power.

The Group fervently believes that his continued tenure clashes with both the moral and political values dear not only to the state, but members of the party in power, who went through endless turmoils and pains to install their candidate as governor.

At a recent high-stake stakeholders meeting in Auchi, Etsako West, members from across the Edo North district rallied together, unified in their opposition to Agbebaku’s continued retention as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

With visible passion and pains in their voices, coupled with resolve in their hearts, the ENC has vowed to initiate the process that could ultimately lead to Agbebaku’s removal.

This rallying cry was captured in a communique signed by the group’s leader, Mr Oshioke Aledeh, and Secretary, Mr Tunde Balogun.

The communique also signalled a dramatic push for change in Edo politics.

In a dramatic twist of political fate, the ENC is leading the charge to unseat the Speaker, with the group also labelling him as a “political brute”.

According to the ENC, the embattled Speaker orchestrated the brutal campaign that left APC members reeling in pains and discomfort during the tumultuous state assembly elections that paved the way for his ascension to power.

The ENC also recounted the harrowing tales of assault suffered by some prominent APC leaders and members in the hands of the Speaker and his army of thugs, resulting in multiple injuries, the loss of properties and other valuables.

This, the Group added is in addition to the deafening war-mongering songs from the PDP across the entire Edo state prior to the September, 2024, elections, with erstwhile governor, Godwin Obaseki threatening to burn down the entire country if attempts are made to arrest notable and arrant political thugs traceable to the PDP.

They therefore questioned why Speaker Blessing Agbebaku should thrive where he has sown only discord. They equally added that the Speaker, even when pretending to be at home with incumbent Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo still has his loyalty intact with his parent platform, the PDP.

Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku ascended to the Speaker’s chair backed by the then-dominant PDP, but their power has dwindled in recent months with a wave of defections to the APC.

Now, the APC commands a significant majority in the House, boasting 13 seats to the PDP’s 11.

With the Speaker hailing from the party with the smallest block, a palpable hunger for change has emerged.

The ENC have therefore stepped into the fray and vowed to champion the cause for the Speaker’s removal, which it described as “untenable and inexplicable”.

Also, the ENC has declared that its clamour for the removal of the incumbent Speaker is not just about party politics, but a rallying cry that will reverberate through APC circles not only in Edo State but the country at large, by bringing this obviously abnormally to the ears of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Group equally vowed to reach out to influential APC stakeholders, including Gov Okpebholo, insisting it’s time for the APC to take its rightful place by having one of its own as the Speaker.

As the days unfold, all eyes will be on the beleaguered Speaker and his strategy to navigate the escalating demands for his ousting, even when the APC appears stoutly prepared for his removal having attained the majority status in the House.

In the midst of all these, will Blessing Agbebaku find a way to hold on to power, or his reign on the verge of collapse? Only time would tell.

But the obvious fact is that the Edo political atmosphere has become charged with Speaker Blessing Agbebaku still holding firm. Only his removal from the seat appears to be the only balm that would soothe members of the ruling APC, led by Governor Monday Okpebhol.

Related Topics:#Edo Assembly.Blessing Agbebaku Edo

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Politics

Anambra guber: Soludo Raises Alarm, Alledges Plot By APC To Manipulate Election

Published

6 hours ago

August 3, 2025

Editor

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State.

He also warned candidates from Anambra South vying for the governorship seat against destabilizing the state’s political balance.

The governor made the allegation while speaking at a massive All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) rally held at Ekwulobia Urban Stadium on Saturday. He stated that Anambra is “too big for charlatans” and must not be distracted by what he described as impostors and unserious aspirants.

He vowed that “street urchins won’t govern a state that produced Zik, Nwafor Orizu, Ojukwu, Achebe,” as he rallied party faithful in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

Soludo dismissed as deceitful the promises made by some candidates to serve only one term, insisting that such individuals require “psychiatric evaluation.”

“Anambra doesn’t need street urchins as governor. This is the state that produced the likes of Zik of Africa, Dr. Nwafor Orizu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Prof. Chinua Achebe, among others. It is too big for charlatans,” he declared.

He further alleged that some candidates were merely using their campaigns to extort money from unsuspecting businessmen and the public. According to him, the achievements of his administration over the past four years justify his bid for a second term.

In a renewed call for peace, Soludo again offered amnesty to armed groups hiding in the forests, urging them to surrender and embrace rehabilitation or face the full weight of the law.

Visibly impressed by the turnout at the rally, the governor noted that he had not yet officially launched his campaign but was humbled by the support.

He revealed that the rally was entirely organized and funded by party members determined to see him re-elected.

The rally, which took place on August 2, 2025, endorsed Soludo for a second term in office and adopted Chief Emma Nwachukwu as APGA’s candidate for the Anambra South senatorial by-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.

It drew an impressive crowd of party loyalists, traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders.

Also in attendance were the APGA National Chairman, state and local government executives, and former Deputy Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba.

In a show of solidarity, APGA stakeholders in Anambra South presented a N100 million donation to support the governor’s campaign. Traditional rulers in the senatorial district also honoured Soludo with the “Olu Atuegwu” chieftaincy title — a title that has already been conferred on him in Anambra North and Central, respectively.

Politics

Edo LG Poll: My Ambition Driven By Commitment To Fast-track Grassroot Development – Aspirant

Published

8 hours ago

August 3, 2025

Editor

As local government election in Edo State draws nearer, a chairmanship position aspirant in Ovia South West Local Government Council, Kelvin Omoruyi, said he’s driven by his commitment to fast-track grassroot development in the area.

Omoruyi, who spoke on his aspiration while fielding questions from journalists in Benin, said governance at the grassroot must be felt, stressing that it remains the closest to the people.

He added that Ovia South West is endowed with agricultural potential that requires the right leadership to harness it for the benefit of the people and the state.

Omoruyi, who is vying on the platform of the All Progress Congress, APC, noted that if given the party’s ticket and eventually won the chairmanship seat, his administration will focus on peoples oriented programmes.

He lauded the developmental trajectory of Governor Monday Okpehbolo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa in setting the state on the path of progress after many years of bad and retrogressive governance.

The young entrepreneur and grass root mobilizer said his seven points agenda will focus on rehabilitation and grading of rural roads to link wards; installation of solar power, education and youth empowerment, renovation of dilapidated primary and secondary schools, agricultural and local economy, women and grassroot empowerment among others.

He said, “Basically, my mission is improving the overall well-being of our people through purposeful and value driven and people oriented programmes and project.

“Since I understand the yearnings of our people, I deem it fit to come out and offer myself for service of my people and contribute my quota.

“My blue print is to bring governance closer to the people because politics is about the grassroot. Also to make the people understand that governance is about them.

“I understand that politics is very local, and that has been my driving force for vying for the position of the Executive Chairman,” he said.

Politics

Any Politician Promising Single Term Needs Psychiatric Test – Soludo

Published

22 hours ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has slammed politicians promising to serve only one term in office.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said any politician pledging to serve only one term in office needs to undergo a psychiatric test.

Soludo stated this on Saturday during a political rally held in Anambra South in support of his second-term ambition.

The governor questioned the logic behind such a promise, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution allows elected public officials to serve two terms, not just one.

“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools?

“You come to people and say you will do only one term, any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said.

This is coming a month after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called for a single-term tenure of six years.

Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said he is willing to accept a one-term presidency in the spirit of equity and zoning.

He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, July 6.

The former Governor of Anambra State said four years is enough for any serious and sincere leader to make an impact.

He said, “One term is enough to establish that good governance is possible, and if they can impact negatively on us for just two years, why won’t someone achieve a lot in four years?

“It’s also to respect the gentleman’s agreement of zoning, which has been a stabilising factor even though it’s not in our constitution.

“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance. In two years, there has been maximum damage.

“Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president who cares and shows compassion.”